Beauty ingredient research

Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Browse the review database to understand what an ingredient is, what it does in a beauty formula, when it is useful, and when it deserves caution across skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, and more.

20769

Reviewed ingredients

524

Low-concern standouts

2884

Need usage caution

Showing 60 of 4,092
AllUV absorberUV filterabrasiveabsorbentacne treatmentactiveactive ingredientadhesivealkalizing agentamino acidanti-aginganti-androgenanti-cavityanti-cavity agentanti-inflammatoryanti-irritantanticariesanticavity agentantidandruffantifungalantimicrobialantioxidantantiperspirantantiplaqueastringentbarrier repairbarrier supportbarrier-repairbarrier-supportbinderbinding agentbiotechbiotechnologybond-builderbotanicalbotanical extractbotanical oilbotanical waterbrighteningbrightening agentbufferbuffering agentcell-communicating ingredientceramidechelating agentchemicalchemical intermediateclaycleansercleansingcleansing agentcolorantconditionerconditioningconditioning agentcooling agentcosmeticcosmetic additivecosmetic colorantcosmetic ingredientcosmetic pigmentcosmetic powdercosmetic-texturizercosmetic-waxcosmeticscrosslinking agentdelivery agentdelivery systemdenaturantdeodorantdeodorant agentdepigmenting agentdepilatorydepilatory agentdesensitizing agentdyedye intermediatedye precursordye-intermediateemollientemulsifierenzymeessential oilexfoliantexperimentaleyelashfermentfilm formerfilm-formerfilm-formingfilm-forming agentfirming agentfixativeflavoring agentformulationfragrancefragrance ingredientfunctional ingredientgashair carehair colorhair coloranthair conditionerhair dyehair removalhair-carehair-colorhaircarehumectantindustrialinsecticideintermediatelashlash carelash enhancerlash-and-browlip carelipidmakeupmarine extractmasking agentmicrobiomemicrobiome modulatormineralmoisturizernail carenail-careocclusiveoilopacifieropacifying agentoptical agentoral careotheroxidative dyeoxidative dye precursoroxidizing agentpH adjusterpain reliefpenetration enhancerpeptidepersonal careph adjusterpharmaceuticalpheromonepigmentplant oilplasticizerpolymerpolymer precursorprebioticprescription-drugpreservativepreservative boosterprobioticprocessing agentprocessing aidpropellantproteinpurifyingreducing agentretinoidscalp caresebum regulatorsebum-regulatorself-tannerself-tanningsensory additivesensory agentsensory modifiersiliconeskin barrierskin barrier supportskin conditionerskin conditioningskin conditioning agentskin lighteningskin protectantskin-conditioningskin-conditioning agentskin-identicalskin-identical ingredientskin-lighteningskin-lightening agentskincaresolventsoothingsoothing agentstabilizerstimulantsunscreensurfactantsyntheticsynthetic colorantsynthetic dyesynthetic resinsynthetic-coloranttexture enhancertexturizerthickenertoneruv-absorberuv-filtervasoactivevasodilatorviscosity controlviscosity controllingviscosity controlling agentvitaminwax

Soothing agent

Liquiritin Apioside

Liquiritin Apioside

4.0

A gentle licorice-derived antioxidant that helps calm skin and even out tone without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lisianthus Extract

EUSTOMA GRANDIFLORUM EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle, antioxidant-rich flower extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lithospermum Root Extract

LITHOSPERMUM ROOT EXTRACT SERUM ALBUMIN SUCCINATE

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and it's often paired with other active ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Litsea Glutinosa Bark Extract

Litsea Glutinosa Bark Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its skincare benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Litsea Glutinosa Leaf Extract

Litsea Glutinosa Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, though research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Litsea Japonica Extract

LITSEA JAPONICA BRANCH/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Litsea Polyantha Leaf Extract

Litsea Polyantha Leaf Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits for skin is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Longan Fruit Extract

Nephelium Longana Fruit Extract

3.8

Longan fruit extract is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Longan Seed Extract

Nephelium Longana Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle plant-based antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lophophytum Elongatum Extract

Lophophytum Elongatum Extract

3.5

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant with limited research, best used as a supporting ingredient in soothing formulations.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Loquat Fruit & Leaf Extract

Eriobotrya Japonica Fruit/Leaf Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Loquat Leaf Protoplasts

ERIOBOTRYA JAPONICA LEAF PROTOPLASTS

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell ingredient that may help calm and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lotus & Lizardtail Leaf Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf / Saururus Chinensis Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical blend that may help calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lotus & Multi-Sprout Extract

NELUMBO NUCIFERA GERM/(BRASSICA NAPUS/RHYNCHOSIA NULUBILIS/HORDEUM VULGARE/PERILLA OCYMOIDES/POLYGONUM FAGOPYRUM/TRITICUM VULGARE) SPROUT EXTRACT

4.0

A nutrient-rich botanical blend that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a healthy glow, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lotus & Orostachys Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract / Orostachys Japonica Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical blend that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lotus Callus Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Callus Culture Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant from lotus stem cells that may help calm and protect skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lotus Ferment Extract

Saccharomyces/Nelumbo Nucifera Ferment Extract Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented lotus extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lotus Flower Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract

4.0

Lotus flower extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that helps soothe and hydrate skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Lotus Flower, Leaf & Stem Juice

Nelumbo Nucifera Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice

4.0

A gentle, water-like juice from the lotus plant that hydrates and provides antioxidant protection, ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lotus Germ Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Germ Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from lotus seeds that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a calm, even-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lotus Leaf Cell Culture Powder

NYMPHAEA LOTUS LEAF CELL CULTURE POWDER

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown lotus ingredient that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lotus Leaf Ferment Filtrate

Bacillus/Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fermented ingredient that may help soothe skin and protect against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lotus Phytoplacenta Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Phytoplacenta Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant extract that may help soothe and protect skin, though human research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lotus Root Powder

Nelumbo Nucifera Root Powder

4.0

Lotus root powder is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe skin and absorb excess oil without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lotus Seed Extract

NELUMBIUM SPECIOSUM SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that helps calm irritation and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lotus Seed Ferment Filtrate

Lactobacillus/Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Ferment Filtrate

4.0

A gentle fermented ingredient that may help soothe and protect the skin, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lotus Somatic Embryo Extract

LOTUS JAPONICUS SOMATIC EMBRYO EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Lotus Sprout Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Germ/Sprout Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich extract from lotus sprouts that helps calm and protect skin from environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lotus Stem Extract

Nelumbo Nucifera Stem Extract

4.0

Lotus stem extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps soothe and hydrate skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lotus Symbiosome Extract

Lotus Japonicus Symbiosome Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress while supporting hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Loureiro Cinnamon Bark Extract

Cinnamomum Loureiroi Bark Extract

3.8

A potent antioxidant bark extract that can help protect skin from environmental stress, but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals due to its natural aromatic compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lovage Leaf Extract

LEVISTICUM OFFICINALE LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

Lovage leaf extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lovage Root Extract

Levisticum Officinale Root Extract

3.8

Lovage Root Extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lowbush Blueberry Fruit Extract

Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports a healthy-looking complexion.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lowbush Blueberry Fruit Juice

VACCINIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM FRUIT JUICE

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that helps protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lucuma Pulp Extract

Pouteria Lucuma Pulp Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress while providing light hydration.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lucuma Seed Extract

Pouteria lucuma seed extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support hydration, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Luffa Cylindrica Callus Extract

Luffa Cylindrica Callus Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived antioxidant extract that may help soothe skin and fight free radical damage, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Luffa Extract

Luffa Cylindrica Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract

3.8

Luffa extract is a gentle, plant-derived antioxidant that may help soothe skin and fight free radicals, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Luffa Stem Extract

Luffa Cylindrica Stem Extract

3.8

Luffa Stem Extract is a gentle, antioxidant-rich botanical that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its cosmetic benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lugworm Coelomic Fluid Extract

Arenicola Marina Coelomic Fluid Extract

3.5

A novel marine extract with early research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits, but human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lupeol

LUPEOL

4.0

Lupeol is a plant-derived compound that helps calm skin and fight oxidative stress, but it's not a star ingredient in most commercial products yet.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Luteolin

Luteolin

4.0

Luteolin is a plant-based antioxidant that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress, but it's not a standalone solution for major skin concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lutetium Chloride

LUTETIUM CHLORIDE

2.0

Lutetium chloride is a rare earth metal salt with limited research in cosmetics; its benefits are uncertain and it may pose irritation risks at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Lychee Fruit Extract

Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract

4.0

Lychee fruit extract is a gentle antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and may support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Lychee Fruit Juice

Litchi Chinensis Fruit Juice

3.8

Lychee fruit juice is a gentle, water-based ingredient that adds light hydration and antioxidant protection, but its benefits are not as well-studied as more common fruit extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lycopene

Lycopene

4.0

Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals from UV and pollution, but its benefits in skincare are still being studied and it may not be as stable as other antioxidants.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Lysine Octatrienoate

Lysine Octatrienoate

3.8

Lysine Octatrienoate is a gentle antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

synthetic

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Fragrance Ingredient

M-Hydroxyanisole

M-HYDROXYANISOLE

3.5

M-Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic fragrance and antioxidant ingredient that can help stabilize formulas but may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Irritation

moderate

Source

synthetic

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Antioxidant

Maackia Fauriei Branch Extract

Maackia Fauriei Branch Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited and benefits are not yet well-established in human skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maackia Fauriei Stem Extract

Maackia Fauriei Stem Extract

3.8

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research is still early — it's more of a supporting ingredient than a star performer.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Maackiasin

Maackiasin

3.8

Maackiasin is a plant-derived antioxidant that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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